Airline Schedules Continue Upward Trend into the Holidays at MLB

As the holiday season approaches, schedules from both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines continue to trend in a positive direction at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) with the addition of more daily flights and larger aircraft to major hubs in Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT) and the return of American’s nonstop service to Philadelphia (PHL). To prepare for the anticipated increase of passenger traffic, MLB has prepared to welcome all travelers with a calm, clean and safe travel experience.

“Right now there is a major benefit to being a smaller and uncongested airport, and the airlines have recognized that,” said Greg Donovan, A.A.E., executive director at MLB. “Each month, the airlines are making difficult decisions with changes to their route networks, but our airline partners continue to realize the advantages of operating at MLB and the benefits it brings to their customers.”

MLB has experienced significant impacts from the pandemic, but air service continues to trend in a positive direction each month, with five consecutive months of improving passenger data. MLB experienced a major decline in passenger traffic in April 2020, only facilitating 6.5% of the passengers MLB saw in April 2019, and since, traffic has continued to make a steady improvement with 44% of travelers from September 2019 returning in September of this year.

“Since the start of the pandemic, MLB has remained committed to keeping our travelers and community safe with additional safety initiatives and enhanced cleaning procedures,” added Donovan.

The airport’s safety initiatives are outlined on MLB’s new interactive COVID response website, which can be found at www.FlyMLBsafely.com. The resource also includes important links and safety information for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and various health and travel agencies.